Dear Ventura County Community Foundation Family,
I’m writing to share vital information on how individuals, families, undocumented workers, small businesses, and local nonprofit organizations can register their needs for help. Please share.
So many facets of our community are impacted in this current situation. But, as we have come to appreciate more and moreover the past several years, we live in a generous and resilient county. I’m witnessing intense acts of kindness. People picking up diapers for housebound families, bringing meals, and donating to provide basic needs and support. Thank you to all that have been responding to help our neighbors, families, small businesses, and local nonprofits during this challenging time.
While our fundraising efforts for the Ventura County Rapid Response Fund began this past Friday, and we are still working hard to generate funding to support our community, we wanted to help people begin to register their needs for assistance.
Individuals/ Families
Funding for individuals and families living in Ventura County will be available through the Southeast Ventura County YMCA. Please visit https://rapidresponsevc.org/ to complete a quick and confidential form to help us direct needs and refer you to the appropriate nonprofit providers.
The website is available in 200 languages based on the user’s browser language setting.
Small Businesses
If you are a small business owner seeking assistance, please schedule an appointment directly with an EDC SBDC Client Service Specialist and click on the “Make An Appointment” box. An EDC SBDC Client Service Specialist will schedule a personal appointment via phone to help walk you through the process.
To access the COVID-19 Business Resource Guide, please click here.
Nonprofit Organizations
The Rapid Response Fund is available to support nonprofit organizations addressing the needs of individuals and families with food and housing support, childcare, wage replacement, mental health care, and more. Please visit our website at www.vccf.org for more information. To complete a 10-minute brief application to register your needs please visit https://vccf.spectrumportal.net/ and register.
Emotional and Mental Health
Give An Hour offers ongoing, no-cost emotional wellness and mental health support groups using an online platform. Groups are available in both English and Spanish. These facilitated peer support services aim to address the mental and emotional well-being needs of our community as we all deal with the stress and related fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. Please learn more here.
Undocumented Workers
The Undocufund is a joint effort of immigrant-serving organizations in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties to provide disaster relief to local immigrant families. More information will be coming soon. To donate visit www.vccf.org.
Additional Information
- Please consider donating to support our community at www.vccf.org. VCCF is not taking any administrative fees so that 100% of contributions can go directly to our community.
- For current information on COVID-19 in your community, please text 211211 enter covid19 and your zip code when prompted.
- Please remember to complete your 2020 Census Form as soon as you receive it. Learn more at http://census.ventura.org/.
Vanessa Bechtel
President & CEO
